Improvement in fence-posts



' UNITED STATES NELSON T.

DYE, or MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA. AssIeNoR or ONE-HALF HI RIGHT TO DAyID M. HAYWORTH, or SAME PLACE.

PATENT OFFICE.

IMPROVEMENT IIN FENCE-POSTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. [92,818, dated July 10, 1877; application filed May 8, 1877.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, NELSON T. DYE, of Marshalltown, in the county of Marshall and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Fence-Posts, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to an improvement in fence-posts, as will be hereinafter more tapers upward, as shown, and is f rnished with transverse elongated slots B, of sufficient widthto receive and retain the meeting ends of two rails or boards, and are bounded on all sides by the beading D, to strengthen the post.

The vertical edges of that portion of the post above the ground are reduced, as shown, forming flanges E, one of which is provided with a suitablenumber of apertures, a, to receive the barbs F, and the other with the diagonal slots H, which lead to the horizontal apertures I. l

The base of the post, or that part which enters the ground, tapers downward to the wing M, which is formed at right angles to the same, and is composed of two sections, the upper one tapering downward to a point just above-the lower extremity of the main portion of the post, where it diverges horizontally 0utward, and again tapers downward, as before, a suitable distance. This form is adapted to firmly retain the post in the ground.

It is obvious that the present device can be used for either a wire or board fence, or for both at the same time.

To employ it as a board fence, it is only necessary to insert the rails or boards in the elongated apertures or slots B in the usual manner, and if for a combined wire and board fence, the rails are left in place and the wire is inserted into the diagonal slots H, and pushed rearward until it reaches the apertures I, where it-assumes a horizontal position, and is thereby prevented from becoming detached from the post.

Now it is evident that if a wire fence only is desired, the boards can be removed and the wire left in its former position.

' The barbs F are provided to prevent cattle rubbing against the post, and the consequent loosening of the same.

It is designed to construct the post ofwrought or cast iron, but it is obvious that the upper portion could be made of wood, and the base of iron, if preferred.

' What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The post A, provided with re-enforced apertures B and wing M, substantially as shown and described.

2. The post A, provided with a flange having apertures 11, with wire prongs secured therein, substautiall y as shown and for the purpose set forth.

3. The post A, provided with slots B, diagonal slots H, apertures 1, apertures a, and wing M, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing improvement in fence-posts, as above described, I have hereunto set my hand this 2d day of May, 1877.

JOEL S. EDWARDS, WILLIAM I. HUSTON. 

